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Short answer in this situation: No. Expanding a bit: The employees only gain in the most abstract sense by working longer to implement a bunch of features that

Short answer in this situation: No. Expanding a bit: The employees only gain in the most abstract sense by working longer to implement a bunch of features that are vaguely defined as to when and why. They get no extra money, no sense of worth attached to their shares, no bonus for doing the work. This isn't about some "incentives don't work" crap either. It is pretty simple people dynamics: these guys work at a startup for a salary, they are not really in it for the big payout, they are in it for the job. Having to work absurd hours when there is no obvious benefit or need is a good way to create resentment. If it was a 2 or 3 week push to "finish this stuff and knock out a release" fine, but give them some relaxing days/paid time off at the end. That is what they respond to. Further, the fact that the bossman thinks this unpaid indefinite death march is a decent idea suggests it is time for resume freshening.

kahawe 16y ago
Also, the fact that the bossman can obviously NOT think of any (better) way of getting new customers but asking his people to implement features and then hope to lure someone in sounds pretty bad. Depending on country and social insurance and on your readiness for a "unique" company death-march experience, it might be something you want to do... but if you have any responsibilities in life then make sure you have some money on the side and get out as soon as you can. If you can afford it, just for the hell of it, then keep your eyes and mind open as much as you can and observe what is going on around you. What does your boss say, what things does he avoid or not say etc. All this might give you some interesting thoughts and views on "management" and people but most likely will leave you rather disillusioned and maybe even bitter. Getting screwed over and/or taken advantage of is like losing your virginity: it will be hard or downright impossible to go back to "before it happened".

kahawe 16y ago

Also, the fact that the bossman can obviously NOT think of any (better) way of getting new customers but asking his people to implement features and then hope to lure someone in sounds pretty bad. Depending on country and social insurance and on your readiness for a "unique" company death-march experience, it might be something you want to do... but if you have any responsibilities in life then make sure you have some money on the side and get out as soon as you can. If you can afford it, just for the hell of it, then keep your eyes and mind open as much as you can and observe what is going on around you. What does your boss say, what things does he avoid or not say etc. All this might give you some interesting thoughts and views on "management" and people but most likely will leave you rather disillusioned and maybe even bitter. Getting screwed over and/or taken advantage of is like losing your virginity: it will be hard or downright impossible to go back to "before it happened".